25 Ways to Meet New People

There's no excuse for not meeting new people. And I don't mean on an Internet dating site either. You may have reasons why you haven't gotten out. Perhaps you're too busy, tired, shy, frustrated or overwhelmed by the social scene. Even though it might be scary because you're alone, leave your home anyway! The alternative? You'll end up alone.

In this fast-paced world, sometimes we don't make time to meet new people. Before you know it, friends have gone their own ways and you find yourself suddenly alone. You sit at home night after night watching TV or searching the dating sites on the computer trying to find your "soul mate." Some say the computer helps keep them in touch. And sometimes it can, but more often than not, it just provides faceless, meaningless chatroom conversations that go nowhere. Get out in public, see people face-to-face, use your social skills and have fun! You might have to change your attitude, be open to possibilities, but do it and relax.

Following are 25 places to help get you motivated to go out and make new friends. (Bars and nightclubs are not mentioned, as there are better ways.) You've got nothing to lose and so much to gain.

1. Join a health club: solves two problems; you'll become less of a couch potato and more fit. Think of all the people you will meet. The friends you meet here will most likely be healthy, athletic and attractive. You'll look better and feel better at the same time.

2. Take a class, any class: Again a two in one tactic. You'll learn something new and make friends with similar interests. Conversation is easier if you have something in common.

3. Go to museums: Many museums have special events and members only events. Become one and meet cultured people.

4. Got to sporting events: Soccer, football, basketball, etc. Go to professional or college games. You're guaranteed to have fun.

5. Go to flea markets and antique shows: While you're browsing, you can people watch.

6. Play a sport: Have you ever wanted to play soccer after watching a game on TV? Lots of cities have adult sport programs. Volleyball and tennis are common town recreational sports you could join.

7. Join a book club: Check out at your local library. Reading books and sharing them is a great way to get to know people.

8. Join a single's group: Self-explanatory! There are many organizations that plan singles dances, get-aways, etc.

9. Volunteer: Help build houses for Habitat for Humanity, pass out beverages at marathons or join a volunteer organization.

10. Have a party: Invite friends and have them invite two friends and so on.

11. Get a hobby: Take craft classes at your local community center.

12. Join a business association: If you're a professional, join your local association. Network for business and personal reasons.

13. Go to high school/college reunions: A great way to reconnect with your old best friend!

14. Get a dog and walk everywhere: Go to parks and the beach with your dog. Dogs are great people meeters!

15. Go to every party to where you're invited: Even if you don't want to go...go. You never know whom you'll meet.

16. Join an investment club: Make money...and friends!

17. Travel: Go to the islands; Europe; talk to everyone. Learn about their culture.

18. Go to seminars: Many people go to seminars alone. It's great place to start a conversation.

19. Attend wine tastings: Call local restaurants and ask if they have a wine-tasting night.

20. Go skiing, snowmobiling or snowboarding

21. Sign up for a yoga or Tai Chi class: Relieve tensions and meet other enlightened people.

22. Get a new job: Is your job boring, going nowhere? Maybe you need a change? A new job is a great place to make new friends.

23. Join a women's or men's group

24. Take up acting: Go to acting workshops or help create scenery.

25. Talk to everyone, everywhere!

As you can see, these are not difficult to do. They are tried and true. Remember, you can never have too many friends!